WO2016102913A1

WO2016102913A1 - Cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2016102913A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/052923
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronald Alexander Young (Scot)
Original assignee: Young Ronald Alexander Scot
Priority date: 2014-12-23
Filing date: 2015-10-06
Publication date: 2016-06-30
Also published as: US20170347854A1; CA2971965A1; JP2017538548A; WO2016102912A1; MX2017008287A; CN107438387A; EP3236826A1

Abstract

A cleaning apparatus having a body, and a cleaning head, the body carrying an oscillating unit to cause vibratory motion of the cleaning head relative to the body, the cleaning apparatus including an attachment mechanism, the attachment mechanism being releasable to detach the cleaning head from the body.

Description

Title: Cleaning apparatus

Description of Invention

This invention relates to a mop material cleaning device.

Surface cleaning apparatus such as mops are well known, and widely used to clean surfaces in households and large areas, such as hospitals or commercial premises.

It is known to provide 'flat mops' having a cleaning head to which a pad or sheet of cleaning material is attachable and detachable. The cleaning head of such a flat mop may be detachable from the body and/or handle of the flat mop, typically by virtue of a threaded connection between the cleaning head and the body and/or handle. The mop material is typically attached to the cleaning head by one or more fasteners, for example hook and loop material fasteners, and/or by receiving formations in the cleaning head which receive and hold a part of the mop material during use.

It is necessary to remove a mop head once it becomes dirty and replace with a new mop head or a cleansed mop head. This inherently requires the user to have a supply of readily available replacement mop heads or have access to a suitable mop head cleaning device. Such devices can comprise either a simple bucket arrangement filled with clean water and cleaning fluid whereby the flat mop head can is arranged to be immersed in the fluid and then the excess fluid squeezed out from the mop head before cleaning continues. However such mop head cleaning apparatus is typically inefficient and unappealing to use. According to the invention, there is provided a mop material cleaning device, the cleaning device including a cleaning apparatus which includes at least one loading apparatus and one cleaning mechanism, the cleaning mechanism including at least one roller bearing bristles for cleaning a pad of cleaning material, and wherein the material cleaning device is operable to receive a cleaning head of the cleaning apparatus of any of the first aspect of the invention.

The material cleaning device may include a pair of cleaning apparatuses, to enable the cleaning of more than one cleaning head.

The cleaning apparatuses may be operable substantially simultaneously.

The material cleaning device may further include a wringing mechanism for removing excess moisture from the cleaning material.

The material cleaning device may include a liquid dispenser for dispensing cleaning fluid on to the cleaning material to be cleaned, wherein the liquid dispenser is a spray bar.

The material cleaning device may include a liquid recovery device, which is operable to collect fluid from the cleaning apparatus and return it to a reservoir for use in future cleaning operations.

The material cleaning device may be mobile.

Preferably, the material cleaning device may further comprise a front portion and a rear portion.

It may also be preferable for a cleaning head to enter the rear portion of the material cleaning device, and later exit the rear portion of the material cleaning device. Such an embodiment of the invention may be preferable as it may allow a user to both place a cleaning head with soiled mop material into the rear of the material cleaning device, collect a cleaning head with cleaned mop material from the rear of the device. In such an embodiment of the invention, the time a user is required to wait for a cleaning head with cleaned mop material may be reduced or eliminated, as the cleaning head with cleaned mop material may be waiting for the user at the rear of the material cleaning device.

Preferably, the front portion of the material cleaning device may comprise a drawer. Such a feature may be advantageous as the drawer may allow for a cleaning head be supported as it extends or protrudes from the front of the material cleaning device. As such, a cleaning head may move a greater distance within the cleaning device, and more of the cleaning material may be exposed to the cleaning mechanism. In this case, the ability for the cleaning head to move a greater distance within the material cleaning device may allow substantially all of the mop material located on a cleaning head to be cleaned in single passage through the material cleaning device.

Additionally, the drawer may be sized that it can hold or support a single cleaning head. Alternatively, the drawer may be sized such that it can receive or support a plurality of cleaning heads. In another embodiment of the invention, the drawer may be adjustable in size such that it can receive or support either a single cleaning head, or a plurality of cleaning heads, depending on the preference of the user. Preferably, the drawer may be sized such that it can accommodate a 34 cm cleaning head. More preferably, the drawer may be sized such that it can accommodate a 40 cm cleaning head. Most preferably, the drawer may be adjustable in size that it can accommodate any length cleaning head.

Preferably, the drawer is moveable from a first position to a second position, wherein the drawer is capable of receiving or supporting a cleaning head when in said second position. Such a feature may be advantageous as it may allow the drawer to be stored in a first position when not in use, reducing the dimensions of the material cleaning device. Preferably an isolator switch is positioned adjacent the drawer in a first position such that in use the movement of the drawer from a first position to an 'extended' second position releases the isolator switch such that the machine is operable.

It may also be preferable for the movement of the drawer from the first position to the second position to be detected by a sensor. Here, the detection of the movement of the drawer may be used to activate or turn on the material cleaning device. Preferably, the signal from the sensor may be relayed to a controller.

Preferably, the movement of the drawer may result in the powering on of said material cleaning device. Such a feature may ensure the cleaning mechanism only operates when the drawer is moved to the second position and is capable of receiving or supporting a cleaning head. Such an embodiment of the invention may be preferable due to a reduction in water and electricity usage during the cleaning process.

Preferably, the drawer may be located substantially within the body of the cleaning apparatus when it is located in the first position. Such an embodiment may be preferable as it may reduce the footprint and or size of the material cleaning device when it is not in use.

Preferably, the drawer may extend from the body of the material cleaning device when located in the second position. Such an embodiment of the invention may be advantageous as the drawer may be extended to a position wherein it allows substantially the whole of the mop material to be exposed to the cleaning mechanism in a single traversal of the material cleaning device. Such a feature may be advantageous in that it could reduce the time taken to clean the mop material of a single cleaning head. It may also be preferable for the rear portion to comprise at least one aperture. Preferably, said aperture is sized to allow the entry of at least one cleaning head into said material cleaning device. Preferably said aperture is sized to allow the exit of at least one cleaning head from said material cleaning device. Such features may be advantageous as they may allow the entry or ejection of at least one cleaning head to an area where it may be easily detached or reattached to a cleaning mop buy a user.

Preferably, the rear portion may comprise a collection drawer to further increase the ease of operation of the material cleaning device for the user

Preferably, the collection drawer is configured to receive a cleaning head after it has been cleaned by the cleaning mechanism. Such an embodiment of the invention may advantageously allow a user to conveniently obtain a cleaning head with cleaned mop material from the rear of the material cleaning device. Preferably, the material cleaning device may further comprise a vessel. The inclusion of a vessel in the device may be advantageous as it allows the storage of cleaning liquid which has previously been used to clean soiled mop material until that liquid is cleaned and reused by the material cleaning device or disposed of by the user.

Preferably, the vessel may be removable. Such a feature may be preferable as it will ease the disposal of fluid contained within the vessel, and the cleaning of the material cleaning device.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a combination of a surface cleaning apparatus and a mop material cleaning device, the surface cleaning apparatus including a body, and a cleaning head, the body carrying an oscillating unit to cause vibratory motion of the cleaning head relative to the body, the cleaning apparatus including an attachment mechanism which is releasable to detach the cleaning head from the body. The mop material cleaning device may include a body, the body having an opening in which mop material is receivable to contact at least one of a pair of contra-rotating brushes.

The mop material cleaning device may be mobile.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIGURE 1 is an illustrative perspective view of a material cleaning device; and

FIGURE 2 is an illustrative cross-sectional view of the material cleaning device of Figure 1 .

FIGURE 3 is an illustrative perspective view of a cleaning head suitable for use with the cleaning device of the present invention.

FIGURE 4 is a schematic side cross section view of a material cleaning device

FIGURE 5 is a schematic front perspective view of a material cleaning device

FIGURE 5a is a schematic front perspective view of a material cleaning device FIGURE 6 is a schematic rear perspective view of a material cleaning device

Referring to the Figures the material cleaning device 64 includes a body 70 and a handle 72, as shown in Figure 1 . The material cleaning device 64 also includes one or more ground engaging members, to enable the material cleaning device 64 to be manoeuvred. In the example shown, the material cleaning device 64 includes a pair of wheels 73, of which only one is visible, and a pair of castors 75. It will be appreciated that other wheel/castor combinations/ arrangements may be provided. The manoeuvrability of the material cleaning device 64 is advantageous since an operator can move the material cleaning device 64 over the surface being cleaned, so that the cleaning material 22 can be cleaned near to where the cleaning apparatus is being used, rather than the operator having to return to a stationary cleaning station each time it is necessary to clean the cleaning material 22 of the cleaning head 20, and/or having to carry a large number of cleaning heads 20 which can be used before returning to a cleaning station to clean the material 22.

The body 70 includes a material cleaning apparatus 71 . The material cleaning apparatus 71 includes an entrance 74, through which a cleaning head 20 to be cleaned is able to enter the body 70.

The material cleaning apparatus 71 includes a loading mechanism 76. In the present example, the loading mechanism 76 includes a roller 78 which is drivable by a motor to draw a cleaning head 20 into the body 70. The loading mechanism 76 may include a pair of pinch rollers which are spaced apart by an appropriate distance to be able to grip a cleaning head 20 to be cleaned, on both sides. The loading mechanism 76 includes a sensor 77 to detect the presence of a cleaning head 20 at or near the entrance 74 of the body 70. The sensor 77 may be a Hall Effect sensor or any other type of appropriate proximity sensor. The sensor 77 is able to provide an input to a controller 92, to indicate the presence of a cleaning head 20, the controller 92 being able to control the operation of the material cleaning device 64, in response to the input.

The loading mechanism 76 also includes a ramp 80 for receiving a cleaning head 20. In the embodiment shown, the ramp 80 includes guidance members 82 in the form of upstanding lips, which assist in correctly positioning the cleaning head 20 to be cleaned relative to the body 70. The ramp 80 is preferably pivotable relative to the body 70, by way of a hinge 81 so that it is stowable for transportation and/or storage of the material cleaning device 64. The ramp 80 is preferably lockable in its in use (lowered) configuration and/or its stowed (raised) position.

The body 70 houses a cleaning mechanism 84 which includes a drivable roller 86. The roller 86 includes a plurality of bristles or other brushing elements, for example ribs and/or fins, which may be manufactured from a plastics material or other suitable material, on its outer surface, for contacting the cleaning material 22 of the cleaning head 20 to be cleaned. The cleaning mechanism 84 also includes a bearing roller 88 positioned adjacent the roller 86, against which a cleaning head 20 to be cleaned may bear.

The cleaning mechanism 84 preferably includes a fluid dispenser 89, which is operable to dispense cleaning fluid on or near to a cleaning head 20 to be cleaned. The fluid dispenser 89 is advantageously in the form of a spray bar, i.e. a tube including appropriately positioned openings through which fluid may be ejected from the tube. The fluid dispenser 89 is positioned adjacent the cleaning roller 86. It will be appreciated that more than one fluid dispenser may be provided, as appropriate (figure 2 shows a second spray bar 89 in dotted lines). The fluid dispenser 89 is fluidly communicable with a reservoir for cleaning fluid 91 . A pump is provided in or near to the reservoir, to transfer fluid from the reservoir 91 to the fluid dispenser 89. The cleaning mechanism 84 also includes a liquid recovery apparatus 94, which is operable to collect cleaning liquid which has been dispensed from the fluid dispenser 89 and/or dirty liquid which has been in contact with the cleaning head, and has been removed therefrom, either by falling from the cleaning head 20 under gravity, or by being forced out of the cleaning material 22 by a liquid removal device, for example a wringing mechanism or scraping mechanism. The liquid recovery apparatus 94 includes a liquid collection tray 96 and a conduit 98 for transferring recovered liquid from the collection tray 96 to the reservoir 91 . The liquid recovery apparatus 94 includes a cleaning fluid cleansing mechanism, which, in the example shown, includes one or more filters and/or a sterilisation mechanism.

The cleaning mechanism 84 preferably includes an end stop 90. The end stop may be a physical end stop in the form of a barrier, which inhibits movement of a cleaning head 20 into the body beyond the position of the end stop 90. Additionally or alternatively, the end stop may include a sensor which is operable to detect the presence of a part of a cleaning head 20, and to provide an input to a controller 92 which is operable to control the operation of any or all of the rollers 78, 86, 88, to control the movement of the cleaning head 20.

The material cleaning device 64 also includes a wringing mechanism 99. The wringing mechanism 99 includes a pair of rollers, which are operable to contra- rotate, to remove excess liquid from the cleaning material 22 of a cleaning head 20 which has been cleaned. The distance between the rollers of the wringing mechanism 99 may be adjustable, so that the operation of the wringing mechanism 99 can be controlled. For example, the extent to which the wringing mechanism 99 removes liquid from the cleaning material 22 may be adjusted, and/or the rollers may be moveable relatively far enough apart to allow substantially unimpeded travel of the cleaning head 20 into the body 70, towards the rollers 86, 88, and may be moveable relatively close together to enable each roller 86, 88 to bear against a respective surface of the cleaning head 22 (including the cleaning material 22) during ejection of the cleaning head 20 out of the body 70 of the material cleaning device 64.

It will be appreciated that an alternative form of wringer mechanism 99 may be provided, and that the wringer mechanism may be incorporated into another part of the cleaning mechanism 84, for example the rollers 86, 88 may be operable to remove excess liquid from the cleaning material 22. The operation of a 'single' material cleaning device 64, i.e. a material cleaning device which is able to receive only one cleaning head 20 at a given time, will now be described. The user manoeuvres the cleaning apparatus towards the entrance 74 of the material cleaning device 64. The cleaning head 20 is located on the ramp 80, whilst still attached to the body of the cleaning apparatus. The cleaning head 20 is removed from the body of the cleaning apparatus 10. The method of removal depends upon the method of attachment. For example, an edge of the cleaning head may be engaged with a part of the entrance 74 of the body 70, so that the cleaning head 20 can be levered off the body (not shown). Alternatively, a magnet may be provided adjacent the entrance 74 of the body which can overcome the magnetic attraction between the head 20 and the body. The user may be required to assist in the removal of the cleaning head 20, but this is limited to manoeuvring the body away from the cleaning head 20 by use of the handle, and/or contacting an upper part of the cleaning head 20, for example with his/her foot. The user's hands do not need to contact the cleaning head 20 at any time.

The sensor 77 of the loading mechanism 76 detects the presence of the cleaning head 20, and provides a signal to the controller 92, which operates the rollers 78 and 86, at least. The rollers 78 grip a leading edge of the cleaning head 20 and the cleaning head 20 is drawn into the body 70, through the entrance 74. The loading mechanism may also assist in detaching the cleaning head 20 from the body of the cleaning apparatus. The roller 88 may remain stationary, or may be driven in an opposite direction to the roller 86, to assist in drawing the cleaning head 20 into the body 70.

In an alternative embodiment, the rollers 78 may be dispensed with, and the rollers 86, 88 may be responsible for drawing the cleaning head into the body 70 and/or ejecting the cleaning head 20 from the body 70. In the example shown in Figure 2, the wringing mechanism 99 is disabled during movement of the cleaning head 20 into the body 70 of the material cleaning device 64. The rollers are preferably moved apart to allow unimpeded travel of the cleaning head 20 into the body 70.

The controller also operates the fluid dispenser 89 to dispense cleaning fluid on to the cleaning material 22 of the cleaning head 20. The cleaning head 20 is transported between the rollers 86, 88, with the cleaning material 22 adjacent the bristles of the roller 86. The rotation of the roller 86 scrubs the cleaning material 22, to remove dirt and debris from the cleaning material 22. The cleaning fluid assists in the removal of dirt and debris, by loosening the dirt and debris from the fibres of the cleaning material 22, and/or by rinsing loose dirt and debris off the cleaning material 22. The cleaning fluid may be pressurised by the dispenser 89, so as to be more effective in the removal of dirt and debris from the cleaning material 22.

The distance between the rollers 86, 88 and the end stop 90 is slightly shorter than the length of the cleaning head 20, such that as the leading edge of the cleaning head 20 reaches the end stop 90, the trailing edge of the cleaning head 20 is still in contact with at least one of the rollers 86, 88. The end stop 90 provides a signal to the controller 92, to indicate that the cleaning head 20 has entered the body 70 to the maximum extent and that all (or the majority) of the cleaning material 22 must have contacted the roller 86. The controller 92 operates the rollers 86, 88 in the opposite direction, to drive the cleaning head 20 in reverse, back towards the entrance 74. Where provided, a second fluid dispenser 89 may be operated, and the roller 86 cleans each part of the cleaning material 22 again, to remove further dirt and debris. In an embodiment where a separate wringing apparatus 99 is not provided, the rollers 86, 88 may squeeze together to remove excess moisture from the cleaning material 22. Where a wringing apparatus 99 is provided, the wringing apparatus is operated to remove excess moisture from the cleaning material. It will be appreciated that the cleaning material 22 should not be left in a completely dry state following cleaning by the material cleaning device 64, as the cleaning material 22 is preferably damp for optimum cleaning of the surface. Liquid which has been removed from the cleaning material 22 by the wringing apparatus 99, or otherwise, or which has been dispensed from the fluid dispenser 89, but which has not contacted the cleaning material 22 is collected by the liquid collection tray 96. The collected liquid is then returned to the reservoir 91 and cleansed for further material cleaning operations.

The cleaning head 20 is ejected from the body 70 via the entrance 74. Where provided, the rollers 78 are operated in reverse, to eject the cleaning head 20 from the body 70. It will be appreciated that in a cleaning apparatus with a single entrance 74, which serves as the exit for the cleaning head 20, it is only possible for one cleaning head 20 to be cleaned at a time. Given that the entrance 74 assists in the removal of the cleaning head 20 from the body of the cleaning apparatus, it is difficult to use a second cleaning head 20 whilst a soiled cleaning head 20 is cleaned in the material cleaning device 64, as the second (now soiled) cleaning head 20 being positioned in the entrance 74 of the material cleaning device 64 for cleaning would interfere with the ejection of the first (now cleaned) cleaning head 20 via the entrance 74, and vice versa. In an alternative embodiment, rather than the cleaning head 20 being ejected from the body 70 via the entrance 74, there is provided a separate exit, and a cleaning head ejection mechanism. The exit is preferably positioned at approximately 90° to the entrance 74, and the head ejection mechanism includes an arm or lever which is moveable in a direction which is substantially transverse to the direction in which the cleaning head 20 travels during cleaning of the cleaning material 22, to push the cleaning head 20 out of the exit. In a further alternative embodiment, the material cleaning device 64 includes two or more material cleaning apparatus 71 , each including a respective loading apparatus 76, and cleaning mechanism 84. The material cleaning device 64 may also optionally include two or more wringing mechanisms 99. The cleaning apparatuses 71 of a 'double' material cleaning device 64 are positioned substantially side-by-side within the body 70.

In such a double material cleaning device 64, the entrance 74 is large enough for two cleaning heads 20 to be positioned side by side. It will be understood that the entrance 74 may be separated into two or more separate openings for two or more separate cleaning heads 20, or may be provided as a single opening for two or more cleaning heads 20. A double material cleaning device 64 may include a pair of ramps 80 adjacent one another. It will be appreciated that a single ramp 80 may be provided with one or more upstanding lips to divide the ramp into a plurality of ramp areas each suitable for receiving a single cleaning head 20.

In use, the user places one soiled cleaning head 20 on to one of the ramps 80 of the double material cleaning device. The parts of the corresponding loading mechanism 76, cleaning mechanism 84, and wringing mechanism 99 (where provided) are operated as described above. The cleaning head 20 is drawn into the body 70 for cleaning, and is then ejected back on to the ramp 80 on to which it was originally deposited by the user. The cleaning process takes a few seconds, for example 10-30 seconds, during which time the user may use a second cleaning head 20 attached to the body of the cleaning apparatus. When the user desires to clean the second cleaning head 20, he or she positions the second cleaning head 20 on or adjacent the other ramp 80. The second material cleaning apparatus 71 operates as described above to clean the cleaning material 22 of the second cleaning head 20. The first cleaning head (now cleaned) should, by this time, be ready for re-use, and be positioned on the ramp 80 of the first cleaning apparatus 71 . The user is able to reattach the first cleaning head on to the body of the cleaning apparatus without having to touch it, especially not with his or her hands. The provision of a double material cleaning device 64 means that it is straightforward and practical to be able to clean one cleaning head 20 whilst using another, and continuously, or substantially continuously, swapping the heads 20 over. It will be that more than two material cleaning apparatuses 71 could be provided. It will be appreciated that a double material cleaning device 64 may be provided with a single, double-width loading apparatus 76 and/or a single, double-width cleaning apparatus 71 , rather than individual loading apparatus 76 and cleaning apparatus 71 for each cleaning head 20 to be cleaned. Further alternatively, it is possible for a double cleaning apparatus to include a single cleaning apparatus 71 , but to provide a double loading apparatus 76, and a movement mechanism to enable a cleaning head 20 to be moved between a loading/unloading position and a cleaning position.

It will be appreciated that the cleaning mechanism 84 of the cleaning material cleaning device 64 may be provided with only one of a fluid dispenser and rollers 86, 88. It will be understood that adequate cleaning of the mop material may be achieved with only one or the other, whilst it is expected that more acceptable results are likely to be achieved with only the fluid dispenser 89, than using only the rollers (brushes) 86, 88.

The attachment mechanism 23 and/or the locating members are provided in such a manner that neither impinges upon any part of the material cleaning device 64 during cleaning of the cleaning material 22. Either the backing of the cleaning head 20 is substantially smooth, or the or each locating formation 28 of the cleaning head 20 includes a recess, rather than a protrusion, or at least no significant protrusion. In the example of a cleaning head shown in figure 3, the cleaning head 20 includes four locating members 28, here each in the form lips which extend from the upper surface 20e of the cleaning head 20. Other embodiments of the locating members 28 which do not protrude from the upper surface 20e of the cleaning head 20 are also envisaged.

When located in position relative to the cleaning apparatus (not shown) by the locating members 28, the cleaning head 20 may be attached to the cleaning apparatus via connecting members 25. The connecting members 25 may from a connection with the cleaning apparatus via mechanical, magnetic, or other means. In this embodiment of the invention, such a connection is reversible and allows the cleaning head 20 and the cleaning apparatus to be reused. It will be appreciated that alternative examples and alternative numbers of locating formations may be provided. The locating members may be dispensed with entirely, as appropriate, to provide substantially smooth mating surfaces of the cleaning apparatus and the cleaning head 20. An alternative embodiment of the invention is schematically illustrated in Figure 4. In this embodiment of the invention, the material cleaning device 164 may receive a cleaning head 20 for cleaning whilst simultaneously providing a pre cleaned cleaning head 20 for the immediate use of the user. Here, prior to the cleaning of the cleaning head 20, a shelf or drawer 400 is extended or pulled out from the body of the material cleaning device 164. The extension of the drawer 400 is detected by a sensor, in this embodiment of the invention an isolator switch 401 . As such, in this embodiment of the invention, the extension of the drawer 400 from the material cleaning device 164 results in the material cleaning device powering on, or becoming operable. When using the material cleaning device 164, a user manoeuvres a cleaning mop (not shown) or similar device containing a cleaning head towards the material cleaning device 164. Subsequently, the cleaning head is removed from the body of the cleaning mop, the method of removal depending on the method of attachment.

In the process of removing the cleaning had from the body of the cleaning mop, it may be the case that an edge of the cleaning head engages with a part of the material cleaning device 164, so that the cleaning head can be levered off the body of the cleaning mop. Alternatively, a magnet may be provided adjacent to or within the material cleaning device, any such magnet having the magnetic strength to overcome any magnetic connection between the cleaning had and the cleaning mop. It may also be the case that the user may be required to assist in the removal of the cleaning head, by manoeuvring the cleaning mop away from the cleaning head, and/or contacting an upper part of the cleaning head, for example with his/her foot. In such an embodiment of the invention, the user's hands do not need to contact the cleaning head at any time.

In the embodiment of the device schematically depicted in figure 4, the cleaning head is inserted into the rear of the material cleaning device 164. As such, any aspect of the material cleaning device 164 associated with the removal of the cleaning head from the cleaning mop may be located at the rear of the material cleaning device 164. Such aspects of the material cleaning device may include magnets, ledges, ridges or other formations which may be used to remove the cleaning head from the cleaning mop.

Subsequent to the placement of a cleaning head at the rear of the material cleaning device, the cleaning head is moved into the body 170 of the material cleaning device 164. In this embodiment of the invention, mechanical means proximal to the rear or the material cleaning device 164 are used to move the cleaning head into the body of the material cleaning device. Such mechanical means may also be located within the body 170 of the material cleaning device 164.

In the embodiment of the invention schematically illustrated in figure 4, the mechanical means consist of a primary roller 430 which assists the movement of the cleaning head into the cleaning head aperture 420. In this embodiment, a sensor (not shown) of the loading mechanism 176 detects the presence of the cleaning head, and provides a signal to the controller (not shown), which operates at least the primary roller 430. Additionally, the rollers 178 and 186, may also be operated by the controller. The rollers 178 grip a leading edge of the cleaning head and draw it into the body 170, through the cleaning head aperture 420. The loading mechanism 176 may also assist in detaching the cleaning head from the body of the cleaning mop. The roller 188 may remain stationary, or may be driven in an opposite direction to the roller 186, to assist in drawing the cleaning head into the body 170.

In an alternative embodiment, the rollers 178 may be dispensed with, and the rollers 186, 188 may be responsible for drawing the cleaning head into the body 170 and/or ejecting the cleaning head from the body 170.

The controller also operates the fluid dispenser 189 to dispense cleaning fluid on to the cleaning material of the cleaning head. Cleaning fluid is contained within the material cleaning device within the tank 410, and provided to the fluid dispenser 189 via a valve 41 1. In this embodiment of the invention, the cleaning fluid substantially comprises water.

During the process of cleaning the cleaning material, the cleaning head is transported between the rollers 186, 188, with the cleaning material adjacent the bristles of the roller 186. The rotation of the roller 186 scrubs the cleaning material, to remove dirt and debris from the cleaning material. The cleaning fluid assists in the removal of dirt and debris, by loosening the dirt and debris from the fibres of the cleaning material, and/or by rinsing loose dirt and debris off the cleaning material. The cleaning fluid may be pressurised by the dispenser 189, so as to be more effective in the removal of dirt and debris from the cleaning material. In the embodiments depicted in figure 4, the cleaning element 189 is a spray bar.

As the cleaning head is transported through the material cleaning device, the cleaning material of the cleaning head comes into contact with the 186 such that it is scrubbed clean. The controller dictates the speed of rotation of the rollers 178, 186, 188 such that the length of time the cleaning material is in contact with the rollers is sufficient that dirt and debris is removed from the cleaning material. As the cleaning head moves through the material cleaning device 164, it begins to extend into the extended drawer 400. As such, substantially the whole of the mop material attached to the cleaning head may be cleaned by the mop material cleaning device 164 in a single pass of the cleaning head through the mop material cleaning device 164. Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, the drawer 400 is sized appropriately to support a single cleaning head, although a drawer 400 which may support multiple cleaning heads is also envisaged. Additionally, the drawer 400 has sufficient strength that it may support the weight of a single, or a plurality of, cleaning heads.

When the cleaning head has passed the roller 186 such that substantially the whole of the mop material has been cleaned, the direction of rotation of the rollers 186, 178, 188, 430 may be reversed such that the cleaning head moves back towards the cleaning head aperture 420. As the cleaning head progresses towards the cleaning head aperture, the rollers of a wringing apparatus 199 may be placed such that they exert a squeezing or compressive force on the cleaning head. In this embodiment of the invention, such a compressive force, exerted in a direction generally normal to the surface of the cleaning head, may remove excess moisture from the cleaning material located on the cleaning head. The wringing apparatus 199 is operated to remove excess moisture from the cleaning material. It will be appreciated that the cleaning material should not be left in a completely dry state following cleaning by the material cleaning device 164, as the cleaning material is preferably damp for optimum cleaning of the surface.

Liquid which has been removed from the cleaning material by the wringing apparatus 199, or otherwise, or which has been dispensed from the fluid dispenser 189, but which has not contacted the cleaning material is collected by the liquid collection tray 196. The collected liquid is then returned to the reservoir 191 . Once the liquid is returned to the reservoir 191 , said liquid may either be cleaned and returned to the tank 410 where it may be reused, or stored in the reservoir 191 until said reservoir is removed from the material cleaning apparatus 164 by the user and the waste liquid disposed of.

After the cleaning process, the cleaning head is ejected from the body 170 of the material cleaning device 164 via the cleaning head aperture 420. The ejection of the cleaning head from the body 170 may again be assisted by the primary roller 430. The operation of the primary roller 430 may again be governed by the controller.

The cleaning head may be ejected from the body 170 on to a collection tray (not shown). The use of a collection tray locates the ejected cleaning head such that a user may easily obtain a cleaning head with cleaned mop material at the same time, or at a very similar time, to placing a cleaning head with soiled mop material into the mop material cleaning device. In this manner, a cleaning head with cleaned cleaning material is provided to the user at the rear of the material cleaning device 164. As such, the user is able to place a dirty cleaning head at the rear of the mop material cleaning device 164, and immediately obtain a cleaning head with clean mop material from the collection tray of the material cleaning device 164, thus removing the requirement for the user to wait whilst the material cleaning device 164 operates.

In the embodiment of the invention schematically illustrated in figure 4, the material cleaning device is mounted on wheels 173, 175. The wheels 173 at the rear of the material cleaning device 164 comprise rubber tyres, the wheels 175 at the front of the material cleaning device 164 are mounted on castors such that they may rotate around an axis substantially normal to the surface on which the material cleaning device 164 is placed. The material cleaning device 164 may be moved on its wheels 173, 175 by a user via the use of a handle 172. Figures 5 and 5a provide a further schematic view of the material cleaning device 164 which illustrates the general layout of said device. The handle 172, body 170, wheels 173, 175, drawer 400, and tank 410 are all illustrated in addition to the depiction of an access panel 440 which provides the user with the ability to access the rollers inside the material cleaning device 164 in case of blockage, mechanical failure or routine maintenance. Additionally, in this view of this embodiment of the material cleaning device 164, the vessel 191 is removed from the material cleaning device 164 leaving a space where the vessel 191 may be inserted 450.

Figure 6 schematically illustrates a further view of this embodiment of the material cleaning device. In addition to the features of the material cleaning device previously described, the additional feature of a storage recess 460 for an additional cleaning head or heads is depicted, as well as an emergency stop button 470 to be activated by the user of the material cleaning device 164 in case of any emergency situation.

Claims

1 . A material cleaning device for cleaning mop material, the cleaning device including a cleaning apparatus which includes at least one loading apparatus and one cleaning mechanism, the cleaning mechanism including at least one roller bearing bristles for cleaning a pad of cleaning material, and wherein the material cleaning device is operable to receive a cleaning head, said cleaning head comprising substantially of planar cleaning mop material attached thereto.

2. A material cleaning device according to claim 1 including a pair of cleaning apparatuses, to enable the cleaning of more than one cleaning head.

3. A material cleaning device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the cleaning apparatuses are operable substantially simultaneously.

4. A material cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further including a wringing mechanism for removing excess moisture from the cleaning material.

5. A material cleaning device according to any of claims 1 to 4 including a liquid dispenser for dispensing cleaning fluid on the to the cleaning material to be cleaned, wherein the liquid dispenser is a spray bar.

6. A material cleaning device according to any of claims 1 to 5 including a liquid recovery device, which is operable to collect fluid from the cleaning apparatus and return it to a reservoir for use in future cleaning operations.

7. A material cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the material cleaning device is mobile.

8. A material cleaning device according to any one preceding claim, wherein the material cleaning device further comprises a front portion and a rear portion.

9. A material cleaning device according to claim 8, configured such that a cleaning head may enter the rear portion of said material cleaning device, and later exit the rear portion of said material cleaning device.

10. A material cleaning device according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the front portion of the cleaning device comprises a drawer.

1 1 . A material cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein the drawer is moveable from a first position to a second position.

12. A material cleaning device according to claim 1 1 , wherein the movement of the drawer from the first position to the second position is detected by a sensor.

13. A material cleaning device according to claim 12, wherein a signal from the sensor is relayed to a controller.

14. A material cleaning device according to claim 1 1 , claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the movement of the drawer results in the powering on of said material cleaning device.

15. A material cleaning device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the drawer is contained substantially within a body of said material cleaning device when located in the first position.

16. A material cleaning device according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the drawer extends from the body of said material cleaning device when located in the second position.

17. A material cleaning device according to any one of claims 8 to 16, wherein the rear portion comprises at least one aperture.

18. A material cleaning device according to claim 17, wherein said aperture is sized to allow the entry of at least one cleaning head into said material cleaning device.

19. A material cleaning device according to claim 17 or claim 18, wherein said aperture is sized to allow the exit of at least one cleaning head from said material cleaning device.

20. A material cleaning device according to claim 17, claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the rear portion comprises a collection tray.

21 . A material cleaning device according to claim 20, wherein the collection tray is configured to receive a cleaning head after it has been cleaned by the cleaning mechanism.

22. The material cleaning device of any preceding claim, wherein said material cleaning device further comprises a vessel.

23. The material cleaning device of claim 22, wherein the vessel is removable.

24. A combination of a surface cleaning apparatus and a mop material cleaning device, the surface cleaning apparatus including a body, and a cleaning head, the body carrying an oscillating or vibratory unit to cause vibratory motion of the cleaning head relative to the body, the cleaning apparatus including an attachment mechanism which is releasable to detach the cleaning head from the body.

25. A combination according to claim 24 wherein the mop material cleaning device includes a body, the body having an opening in which mop material is receivable to contact at least one of a pair of contra-rotating brushes.

26. A combination according to claim 24 or 25 wherein the mop material cleaning device is mobile.